Cam/lifter install How to?

[351wcrayz]

Mangs, as me dad hasnt had the time an the weather has hindered ANY progress, can anyone post a how to guide on installing the cam/lifters OR just re-direct me to a site or something?

Only thing left to take off is the pulley attached to the cam or whatever....anyone that knows this info PLEASE share....an if at ALL possible find some diagrams or post some pics of the duration of the install....

Thanks all-
Wes

[torquelover]

Be very careful moving the cam out of & into the engine. There are steps to take to break in the cam/lifters since you're a non-roller. There are tons of books on SB Fords. A worthwhile investment.

[Nathan in MI]

Factory service manual or a Haynes/Chiltons/whatever should tell you what you want to know.

[gadget73]

yes, grab a manual, it'll have more details and torque specs, etc

general process is something like this

remove all the accessories off the front of the motor
pull the water pump
pull the timing cover
pull the intake manifold
remove both valve covers
remove all the rocker arms, noting where they go. You should try to put them back in the same place
remove the pushrods, also noting position
pull the lifters and throw them away
remove the radiator
swing the AC condensor out of the way
pull the timing set off
remove the cam retainer, and slide the cam out. Be extremely careful not to bang up the cam bearings. A handle helps here, I've used the side handles from buffers and drills before, as long as it threads in

install is the reverse of removal. Use lots of assembly lube on the cam, and lube up the new lifters before putting them in.

There is a break-in procedure for the camshaft too. Usually it involves running the engine at 2000-2500 rpm for like 20 minutes or something, then changing the oil right after.

[351wcrayz]

Thanks Thain, TQL, everyone....Advance has A Haynes book, have to look closer at it to see if it has what I need....

[cld783]

1.

Disconnect the negative battery cable and drain the cooling system.

2.

Relieve the fuel system pressure as described in Fuel System . Discharge the air conditioning system.
3.

Remove the radiator and air conditioner condenser.
4.

Remove the grille.
5.

Remove the intake manifold and the lifters.
6.

Remove the timing chain front cover, the timing chain and camshaft sprocket.
7.

Check the camshaft end-play as follows:
1.

Position a dial indicator on the front of the engine, with the indicator foot resting on the end of the camshaft.
2.

Push the camshaft toward the rear of the engine and set the indicator pointer to 0.
3.

Pull the camshaft forward and release it. Check the dial indicator reading.
4.

If end-play exceeds specification, replace the thrust plate.
5.

Recheck the end-play with the new thrust plate installed. If end-play is still excessive, check the camshaft and rear camshaft bore plug.
8.

Remove the thrust plate. Remove the camshaft, being careful not to damage the bearing surfaces.

To install:

9.

Lubricate the cam lobes and journals with heavy engine oil. Install the camshaft, being careful not to damage the bearing surfaces while sliding into position.
10.

Install the thrust plate. Tighten the bolts to 9-12 ft. lbs. (12-16 Nm).
11.

Install the timing chain and sprockets. Install the engine front cover.
12.

Install the lifters and the intake manifolds.
13.

Install the grille and the air conditioner condenser.
14.

Install the radiator. Fill the cooling system.
15.

Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check for leaks.
16.

Evacuate and recharge the air conditioning system.

[gadget73]

don't need to discharge the AC. The condensor will swing up out of the way if you're careful. It will hang over the fender.

[Mercracer]

Check the camshaft end-play as follows:
1.

Position a dial indicator on the front of the engine, with the indicator foot resting on the end of the camshaft.
2.

Push the camshaft toward the rear of the engine and set the indicator pointer to 0.
3.

Pull the camshaft forward and release it. Check the dial indicator reading.
4.

If end-play exceeds specification, replace the thrust plate.
5.

Recheck the end-play with the new thrust plate installed. If end-play is still excessive, check the camshaft and rear camshaft bore plug.
8.

.

Talk about holy unnecessary stuff Batman!!! Unless you feel a groove in the thrust plate, just install it and be done..... The only play that matters is with the timing gear installed. The cam does not get anywhere near the rear plug under any circumstances......

[gadget73]

That looks like Ford shop manual stuff. My 85 powertrain book has all that kind of stuff in there.